Adequate notice of this meeting has been given in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act pursuant to public laws 1975. Said notice was advertised in the Yasby Park Press and the beacon and was posted on the bulletin board showing the time and place of meeting. Everyone please rise salute the flag followed by a moment of silence
to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Item one, uh, discussion regarding a resolution in support of NJ Assembly
Bill A4017. >> All right. This, um, proposed legislation deals with, um, uh, LLC's when they have rental properties. Um, a lot of times, and I we can I can talk factually about this, when you have an LLC and you have code
violations or other issues that you need to reach out to the landlords, uh, you have no way of finding out who is the responsible party. It's a it's a big rat race to find it out. I mean, you can through the Secretary of State, but sometimes you have to pay for those services. So, when they file their
landlord disclosure, they're just filing it under the LLC. So I obviously it it it warrants uh you know the state legislature to look into some type of um uh mandate more or less that that makes them disclose who um the the registered
at the LLC's. So I'm in support of us supporting this bill and hopefully it would get passed between the legislature. Does anybody have and I said you know Mr. Downing who's in the audience can also vouch for you that that is definitely a problem that he had during his code enforcement days with tracking down owners of these LLC's. Any
comment, mayor? >> Go ahead. >> So after 30 years of compliance in different industries in two different states, every application, whatever the DBA was, the doing business as of the LLC, there was a line where we can get in touch with a human being and a name.
We have to do compliance. If there's an issue, if there's a living issue, uh frankly, if there's anything good that happens, there be needs to be a human that we get in touch with as the AHJ, the authority having jurisdiction, in this case, our township or a man like
Mr. Downing. And uh that's where I come out of it. We absolutely need some somebody to get in touch with physically, a human being. >> Agreed. >> I agree. I think it's stupid not to have I mean if the house burns down who do we call >> right well and we no doubt there's
people who hide behind a sometimes >> and there's no doubt when I first read this I I was kind of surprised that we got to go through the legislative legislation to even get this done because it's common sense whether it's emergency fire code you know what I
understand the uh protection of the LL I'll see. But still, um, I'm in a thousand% support that. >> Let me ask you know who the human is. >> Let me ask our attorney >> or a human behind it. >> Chris, can we shortcut this and just make it a resolution or reg requirement
here in Lacy >> that the LLC's have uh we have a name and a phone number somebody to contact? >> How about on the application? There's no line for >> Let him finish. Let them finish. I would hesitate to do that because my
my interpretation of municipal law is unless there's a statute that authorizes you to do something, you can't do it. >> Okay? >> As opposed to criminal law which prohibits things, >> right? >> And so generally we reach back to >> the delegation of authority by the
legislature. the legislature has legislated in the area of uh absentee ownership in other areas of of the law. Uh in which case I think we did follow up with ordinances dealing with that. Um, so in this particular instance, you
can attempt to do it, but if you go to enforce it, someone's liable to raise an objection under the authority that >> on the landlord disclosure statements that they're required to file, there is a uh m like who's taking care of the property, a maintenance person. And sometimes it's it's a shell game. It's a
shell game. You reach out, oh, I'm no longer doing that. I we don't know who it is. And if the tenant doesn't change, there's no need to file a new form. So that's why a lot of times you cannot track these people down. empty employee hours trying to play phone tag with different entities. Not right.
>> Well, well, all the summons go to the property owner anyway if to the LLC. >> Yeah, but I mean I have LLC's. I'm not >> No, I know that. Yeah, >> it doesn't matter to me. >> It is a big problem with We have circumstances that it is a big problem.
>> I'll support this. Yeah, I have no problem with it. >> So, we'll draft a resolution supporting the legislation for the next meeting. And can we sign it twice? >> You can sign it twice. >> Well, if you No, you can just simply say correct. >> Okay. Draft the resolution.
>> Okay. Discuss. Uh item two, discussion regarding the request for support for project labor agreements. the Mammoth and Ocean County Building and Construction Trade Council sent um a a letter with regards to um governing bodies uh considering to adopt the use
of a PLA, which is project labor agreements. Um they they want for any upcoming projects that you may have to include a project labor uh agreement within the project's bid specs, bid awards, and the project under normal uh and award the project under normal
public building requirements and know that your project will be built safely with quality craftsmanship through the unions which we have to pay prevailing wage and I do believe under current law I think they do have to reach out to the locals first in order to um do these projects but um a lot of towns and other
agencies are entering into uh these project labor agreements for many years um to um invest into the local union workforce. I'm not sure how you guys want to do with this or not. I we don't have any big projects coming up >> any number one is there any costs to
this >> question? Well, there's there's there's pluses and minuses to everything. So, um but I mean >> Chris, do you want to jump in? >> Well, I Well, the mayor the mayor's absolutely correct. pluses and minus.
Those that will argue against project labor agreements are generally private contractors that don't use union workers. Um they will argue that using project labor agreements and union contracts will increase the cost of
public works contractors. Um those will argue that using project labor agreements and union laborers will provide more skilled workforce that's available um and assist individuals that are working through those union halls in the local areas. Probably most large
contractors probably do it anyway, but um there are the pros and cons. You have to decide. But we don't have to do a blanket p a blanket one now or they they're asking for um >> support yeah resolution supporting um the legislation
no they're asking for yeah a supporting res a resolution but if we don't have a project can't we just negotiate that prior to >> the institution of a project? >> Yes. >> Okay. So we don't have to do like a blanket one now. >> No. And this has come to us relatively
recently. Can we just table this for? >> Well, that probably be the wisest thing. And that way you can >> just table it for another >> thoroughly, you know, resolve as to whether that's something that's beneficial to the municipality. >> Okay. And anybody object to table? >> No. >> No. >> Item three, discussion regarding quests
from the coalition against bigger trucks to oppose legislation allowing for the increase in truck size and weight. >> I think this one's almost a norainer. Go ahead. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Okay. Yeah. So, um we've received uh the mayor has received
numerous um emails um related to this has been going around for some time related to concerns about federal legislation regarding the increase in truck sizes and weights including heavier weights well beyond today's maximum 80,000 lbs um as well as long double trailer trucks 10 feet or longer
according to the proposal. So obviously there's a concerns group here that um would like you know their voice heard with um stopping the largesiz trucks with good reason on our roadways. Um even though the township doesn't have much of a commercial movement through
here but Route 9 serves as the main artery which you could see and Ly Road see some of these trucks traveling on these roads for our deliveries if they allow you know going to the shore points if they allow these larger heavier trucks on our roads. So there is that coalition that is looking um to have
support uh to to stop the bigger truck configurations. So these are like the double tractor trailers and those kind of things which you know I think I see a lot of UPS with that and sometimes uneven. >> So >> anybody want to jump in? >> I'll I'll jump in if I could. My my
opinion on it number 105 is that if we say no to that and we omit these these trailers and these trucks from coming through with County Road 614 or Lacy Road which is a commercial route that
really hurt our business there if they stop from coming through here and have to go through a different you know you you you see these trailers and these larger trailers in other states already And the other thought is if if you're
looking at it from a green point of view, if you have a larger trailer, maybe you don't need two smaller trailers. Maybe you won't get bothered twice at 1:00 a.m. and at 8 a.m. Maybe it'll just be one larger trailer for a delivery. But to omit commerce like
that, I'm sorry, I'm against it. >> Yeah, but there's another problem here. Are our roads built to handle more than 80,000 pounds? Probably not. So, we have to then repave our roads in
a shorter time frame, >> which is going to cost us more money. >> Well, that's a county road and that's a state road. >> I don't think they're going to be riding on your block in my >> Oh, wait a minute. No, they go down up and down Lake Barnagan all the time. All the time. >> It's unbelievable. Shop, right? I don't
know what they've done, but they've got them going in there up there. But see what happens is and they're not supposed to be utilizing those residential streets, but when you're using the technology from the phone and it's giving you the shortest route, it's making you turn down those roads. So I know often that the police department
has tried have to enforce what goes like get to Lacy Road and turn left onto Lake Barnagette to stop that from happening. Even turning left onto Railroad Avenue, they have to stop that from happening because their GPS is telling them to make the turn here because it's the shortest route. >> You could omit them from those roads by
putting up signage. You do have signage, but you have >> there's signage up there on Lake Barn right now. Then you have Hannes and Western to have to worry about too. >> Veronica, can I ask you did did you speak to the chief at all? Is this something that comes from getting >> No, I didn't I did not speak um to the
chief of police about it. I was, you know, you know, you've got the same information that that the mayor has received. You know, they they they have some information in here that that in Ocean County alone, there was 131 truck crashes in Ocean County. Now, I don't know if they were the double body trucks or the single body trucks. It doesn't
say that. >> What if they eventually all change over to the larger trailers? Then what? Our box stores can't get >> Can can I can I jump in for a second? >> Yeah. Wow. >> One one of the main things this thing's looking at is these uh what they call
piggyback trailers, not the long ones. >> We already have commerce going through this town. So whether we say yes or no to this, the commerce is coming through. Are they going to stop delivering from for Lacy because of this? No. Right now we got a congestion problem. This state only, most of the state only allows them
on the interstate side of piggybacks that are about 5 to 10 feet longer than your your normal trailer trailers. Each trailer, >> the weight is another issue. I mean, even though this might be a county road, the bridges out there in Burn and stuff
may not take the additional weight. Our intersections also, if they are longer in a single trailer, will not make these turns. A lot of a lot of these trailers now have trouble especially at Route 9 and Lacy Road. So there's a lot of issues, a lot of
expense. Commerce has been working in Lacy in these small towns without these piggybacks. These these bigger trailers have been running the state. Turnpike, Interstate 80, I think uh two uh 287 and I think 78's the other
one. >> They're only allowed on the main thorough cruise. the other 10. We're per square mile. We're the most densely populated state. We got problems with our roads. We got problems with the
traffic. And we do not need to put an extra huge truck on our road because the one thing is is yes, they got to go to a transfer station and transfer over sometimes. But if we stop that now, you're going to
have you could have more traffic because those trucks, yes, they got to go around a lot of towns because they're not allowed in it. You allow them on our roads. They don't have to go around our towns no more. They can run right straight down Route 9. >> Okay. through Beachwood, through
Berkeley, through Lacy Wear Town. And I mean, unless you get on Route 95 and you're you're traveling with these trucks, you don't realize the size and the weight of them. And we're just we're just not built for that. >> You know what we have to consider? We also, as a small town, whether we want to accept that or not, even though we have this major roadway out here,
there's a lot of people on these roads out here. There's a lot of children on Lacy Road, a lot of children walking in all in the areas of bicycling and all that stuff. So with these big tractor trails, you know, I I just don't agree, mayor. I really think we should >> and and let's let's be honest, the these heavyweight trucks, oversized trucks,
whatever, they're headed for warehouses. >> Mhm. >> That's exactly where they're headed. So they can because I mean this outside of Shopright, Walmart, and a few other stores in this town, there's no big trucks coming through here. No, really? >> No, I don't think there's going to be many of them any
>> right. There's not that many. But that's what they're headed for. And I don't want and I don't want our land to be developed into warehouses, whatever land we have left. >> And there's actually two gentlemen sitting in the audience that can tell you what it's like to make a corner in this town with an 80 to 100 foot ladder
truck. >> Yeah. I'm like sitting in the audience trying to figure that out and then I realized it's Jack and Kevin. >> Yes. >> I I'm against this. >> They can give you an idea what it's like. >> You're you're in support of >> I'm in support of it. Banning the Yeah. Okay. Yes. >> For ban for banning the oversized
trucks. I'm in favor in favor of banning. >> I would agree. I said we don't the state's too dense and the roads are too tight to have double wide. >> All right. So you want me to take that draft letter that they have submitted and put it on to letterhead for your signature? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. That's it for caucus. Motion to
move it. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Moving right along. Adequate notice of this meeting has been given in accordance with the open public meetings act pursuant to public laws 1975. said, "Notice is advertised in Yasby Park Press and the beacon was posted on the bulletin board showing the time and place of the meeting." Item one,
resolution 202699 authorizing the appointment of an assistant business administrator. >> Resolution 2026-99 resolution as a township of Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey appointing George Resitar to the position of assistant business administrator for the township of Lacy.
>> Second, >> Mrs. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Mr. Mor, >> yes. >> Mr. Polo, >> yes. >> Mayor K. Yes. Welcome aboard, George. Resolution 2026100 authorizing the appointment of a public safety comm uh telecommunicator traininee.
>> Resolution of the Township of Lacy, County of Ocean, State of New Jersey, authorizing the appointment of Tyler Morris as full-time public safety telecommunicator trainee for the Township of Lacy Police Department. >> Move it. Second. >> Mrs. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. Laay, >> yes. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Mr. Keratlo, >> yes.
>> Mayor Kennes, >> yes. Resolution 2026 101 accepting the resignation of a clerk in the police department. >> Resolution of the township of Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey accepting the resignation of Deborah Simpson as part-time clerk for the Lacy Township Police Department. >> Move it. >> Second.
>> Mr. Laray, >> yes. >> Mrs. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Mr. Yes. >> Mayor Kennes, >> yes. Resolution 2026 102 accepting the resignation of a dispatcher. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Resolution of the town of Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey accepting the resignation of Davin Ruml
as dispatch as a dispatcher for Lacy County. Please >> always rushing things. >> Oh yes, you're going to blame. >> She moves it. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Mrs. Juliana. >> Yes. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Mayor Kenneth. >> Yes. Resolution 2026 103 authorizing the filing of a municipal tonnage grant application. Resolution of the township of Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey authorizing the filing of a municipal recycling tonnage grant application with the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Mrs. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. Kerato, >> yes. >> Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Mr. Laay, >> yes. >> Mayor K. >> Yes. Resolution 2026 104 endorsing the vacant land analysis report. >> Resolution of the township of Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey
endorsing the vacant land analysis report. >> Move it. >> Second, >> Mr. McDonald. Yes, Mr. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Juliano. >> Yes, >> Mr. Laay. >> Yes, >> Mayor Katz. >> Yes. Resolution 2026 105 authorizing the refund of deposit monies.
>> Resolution of the township of Lacy County of Ocean, State of New Jersey, authorizing the refund of deposits held for the use of municipal facilities. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. Mr. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Juliano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kerato. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kenn. >> Yes. Resolution 2026 106 authorizing the
payment of township bills. Resolution of the township of Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey authorizing the payment of township bills. >> Move it. >> This is in the amount of $7,713,492. >> Move it. >> Second. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Juliano. >> Yes. >> Mr. Laray. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Kerah. >> Yes. >> May. >> Yes. Annual reports. >> Annual reports. Let's get to my annual. Okay. for the municipal clerk's office for the year 2025 colle uh receipts were collected in the amount of $126,97829 municipal court for the month for the uh
January through yeah 2025 it says 24 but I think it's paper yeah it says it says 2425 $171,1682 recycling uh commodities for the year for road openings recycling and truck parking for of the year is a total of
$17,244. And that came again from uh recycling, clothing bins, tires, truck parking is $27,775 and road opening permits in the amount of $46,324. And the year end for the Department of
Community Development came in at $944,547. Motion to accept the annual reports as read. >> Move it. Second. >> All in favor? >> All in favor? I >> monthly reports. >> Monthly reports for the month of February. The municipal clerk's office collected receipts in the amount of
$11,370. Municipal court in the amount of $11,880.86. Uh road opening permits in the amount of $4,860. Recycling commodities in the amount of $972, truck parking in the amount of $50,
and community development for the month of February came in at in the amount of $84,949. Motion to accept these reports as >> move it. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Motion to approve caucus meeting minutes of February 2020 20 26th 2026.
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Motion to approve township meeting minutes of February 26, 2026. >> Move it. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Motion to approve executive session meeting minutes of February 26, 2026. >> Move it. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I.
>> Motion to approve budget meeting minutes of March 5th, 2026. Move it. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Motion to approve executive session meeting minutes of March 5th, 2026. >> Move it. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Add-ons. >> Yes. We have two that go along with the affordable housing thing. There was
three resolutions that need to be done to get us into compliance for the March 15th deadline. So, Amy, go ahead. >> Resolution 2026-107, resolution of the township of Lacy County of Ocean City, New Jersey, approving the fourth round affordable housing marketing plan. >> Move it.
>> Second. Mr. McDonald, >> yes. >> Mrs. Juliano, >> yes. >> Mr. Laay, >> yes. >> Mr. Cuto, >> yes. >> Resolution 2026-108. Resolution of the Township Lacy County of Ocean State of New Jersey approving the fourth round affordable housing spending plan. >> Move it.
>> Second. >> Mr. McDonald. >> Yes. >> Mr. Lay. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kerato. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Juliet. >> Yes. >> Mayor Kennet. >> Yes. >> Comments from the public. >> Come on. Come on up. Second longer and I was going to motion to close the floor.
>> Tom said to That's a boom mic. >> Yeah, he said it's going to pick up from a distance. Yep. >> State your name. >> One second. I got to find it. Just Okay, there it is. I'm not good at this. I'm still learning technology. >> Say your name. >> Yes. Regina Desenza, Sunset Drive,
Sunrise Beach. So, last night I attended the 6 PM coffee and conversation with the superintendent. Supposedly today they hope to get some state aid information for their budget, but the board president said the only thing we can do is raise taxes and
that's simply not correct. A school district is only obligated by law to provide educational services. I hope you all realize that transportation, food service, and sports are optional services currently offered at the
taxpayers's extreme expense. Severe cuts need to be made for the Lacy School District to make ends meet, but they refuse. Why? Because I've heard it called the Lacy Employment Agency, and it's all about the Friends and Family Plan. And trust me, I get it. I lived it
for 6 years while I was on the board. But it's time to put the brakes on property taxes now. They're irreversible. There's 500, maybe 600 employees and 28,000 residents of this town. The 20% tax burden already bestowed upon us has
caused many people to sell and leave. Residents are being forced to relocate from their lifelong homes because people on single fixed incomes can't afford to live here anymore. It's a very sad situation and I hope that if there are any more meetings or whoever your
liaison is, please keep on top of this so we can find out what that budget deficit is going to be because the legislation is going to have to allow them to go over 2% in order for them to close their budget gap because there's no way they're going to do it with the state aid.
So, believe it or not, the annual June primary, the first Tuesday, June 2nd, is right around the corner, and I hope it stops snowing, too. Now is the time to register if you've moved, even if you relocate within your same voting district. The county board of elections
needs your current address on file. You must be a county resident at least 30 days prior to a primary. The deadline for voters to register for the June 2026 primary is May 12th. And this is something I didn't know, but I found it
on the county website. 17year-olds may vote in the primary if they will be 18 prior to the November general election. I hope the high school kids are paying attention to that rule. To vote in the primary June 2nd, you must be in a
declared party. I hope most people know this, Democrat or Republican. If you wish to switch or change your party affiliation, now is the time to do that. The deadline to declare is April 8th. If you are currently undeclared, you may
declare at the polls on June 2nd. Also, if you will not be in town on June 2nd and wish to vote in the primary, there will be early voting from May 26 to May 31st. May 26 is also the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot. And
basically, you can only vote one way or the other, on a machine or by mail on paper. If you wish to apply for a district county committee seat, pick up a petition from your municipal clerk and get all the required signatures and all
such petitions must be notorized. For any other questions, call or visit the website Ocean County Clerk and that's where I found most of this information. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Any other comments? >> Seeing none, make a motion to close the floor. Move >> it. All in favor? I
>> comments from the committee. Deputy Mayor Laray, I'm starting to get used to this first. >> Is that for everything or just that one item? >> That was for everything. >> Everything. Well, I do have something to say. I thought you were just going to
talk about that specific item. >> First come up. >> Yeah. Uh, we have to reopen. >> Motion to reopen the floor. Second. Yes. All in favor? I come on up. >> Okay. Yes. Come on up. >> I don't want to break any township
rules. Hi, how you all doing? >> All them happy faces. Uh Steve War, Fork River, New Jersey. Um I'm the spokesperson for concerned Lacy Township taxpaying citizens and some of
the things that have been brought to me lately. But before I get into that, I just want to ask the committee uh to make ensure they're making every effort to get the uh power plant shut down and the new ones, the three little ones that
are a lot more economically feasible, a lot more safer, and produces a lot more energy than the old cloner that we had. And um I just put a request out on behalf of everyone because we need that tax revenue real bad
that the township to the furthest extent possible help to see that the power plant is successful and be up and running again and any comment you'd like to make about that. >> We've been actively working on that pretty much the whole time I've been on the township committee.
>> Yeah. Is everything going smooth? >> Smooth. I know they got a I know they got a a lawsuit about the amount of taxes they pay >> or some kind of process. >> It's an appeal. They're they're they filed an appeal. So, it's under the
appeal process. >> Okay. >> Which isn't good, but >> Well, okay. But they've been under appeal since 2017, I believe. I I come here tonight because uh >> just just real quick on the small modular reactors which we all see as a
very big plus, >> right? >> Which it looks like they probably go with four there. >> But one of the things besides us fighting, we're trying to get the state to approve them inside the state because as of now they're not even as much as we'd love to see them on that site,
>> they're not approved through the state of New Jersey. >> Right. Well, my understanding that decommissioning ain't going to be completed to 2029. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> So, we do got a couple of years that fingers >> crossed. >> They actually have to go to 2060 before they have to complete the
decommissioning >> if they want >> if they want if they want to go. >> But I'm sure that they're being pushed by whoever wants to put the new ones in. >> Well, it's tech. It's a whole tech. It's a whole tech product. >> It's all there. >> All them. >> Okay. All right. um
information came to me about uh some surveying going on in the same location that this committee wanted to put the $100 million municipal building in. So, and the one thing that was left that I
remember when all that settled down that the committee promised to be more transparent about anything that they're planning to do of a big something big like the YMCA or the municipal building.
So, my first question is why were they surveying back there? What was the purpose? Who was it? Was it the same surveyor used during the Johnson Controls issue?
>> So, it the surveyor's East Coast Engineering. Who's >> Excuse me. >> The surveyor's East Coast Engineering. >> Okay. >> They're our surveyor, our township surveyor. What else would you like to know? >> So, it was the township surveying team.
>> Okay. And is that the same group that surveyed for the >> So this is a survey. We've never had that property surveyed properly. >> And the purpose of the survey, >> the purpose of the survey is any potential development that will occur on that property.
>> And what type of development? >> Well, I'm not sure yet. I mean any type of development a surve you start any type of project with a survey with a meets and balance description and elevations in order to figure out where the drainage is going to go and stuff like that. So this is a basic level
survey showing mostly elevations >> and it is public knowledge that you're pursuing a uh building over there. >> We're we're in discussion with a with the YMCA about a potential building >> and who would pay for the building
>> right now? It's still a negotiation, but likely the township. >> Okay. So, that brings me to my next issue is the financial status of this township. Is there a meeting, because I don't go
to all of them, in which the township treasurer or administrator tells the public, either present or on TV, uh how much money is on hand, how much money is proposed to be used
during that particular year, how much money is coming in, and the biggest question is how far in debt is Lacy Township? So, >> how many millions of dollars is Lacy Township in debt?
>> So, >> I'd like to know that. >> All right. Which I'm going to try and answer. It's like eight questions there. I'm going to try and answer them. >> Well, I only got a fivem minute thing, so I got to make it I got I got to squish it. >> I turn it off when he speaks. >> Oh, you turned it off? >> Yes. When he's when when somebody else is speaking, I turn it off. So, you're
not penalized. >> Um, so so we're doing we're in a we're doing our budget meeting now. You were at the meeting the other night. I I told you that >> at the Republican meeting. >> So our budget is approaching $50 million. So that's what we're bringing in. We're also spending $50 million. That's how we're working.
>> So you're >> So we're bringing in $50 million and we're spending $50 million. Um our township debt, the last time I checked, which was probably six or eight months ago, and it depends how you counted, short-term debt, long-term debt. I believe the total debt
is around 20 million, but I could be slightly off with that. And that's available online. >> Yes. All this all this information a lot of people don't go online. I'm going to be I'm going to be 69. So I don't walk around with a phone in my hand. >> But all this the reason why it's available online is because you're
asking any one of us to have this numbers memorized and none of us do. I >> well you know >> I ballpark stuff. I would like to make an amendment to the organic law of the township that either quarterly or bianually
there is a clear uh uh telling of how much money the money how much money the township has, how much they prepared to spend and how are they going to deal with the township debt. That's where a lot of the citizens have
a problem that we know we're in debt. We just got our taxes dramatically raised. Not so much for me because I'm under that, you know, uh return of uh >> this day,
>> right? But not everyone is. I know uh even my son, he's got a mortgage. He's struggling and he's got a uh you know that account you put the money in >> escrow >> escrow account and it just keeps growing and growing and growing. >> Mhm.
>> And you know you all may be financially fit to have a good life in Lacy Township and a lot of people don't want to move but the way things look like they're going it looks like they're going in the wrong direction. And if I was on the
committee, >> the first thing I'd be concerned about is the debt of the township before I would want to do anything new of anything very substantial because the school is always looming. And as long as we got a Democratic governor, they're
going to try to jip us out of what is rightfully ours. Isn't that what's happening as far as support for the schools? Well, let me let me start with your if we did not borrow, then we would not be able to afford the basic items
that we need for emergency services. Um, so you automatically >> Oh, that's definitely important. >> So, so that so we're borrowing, right? >> So, that's going to occur no matter what what we >> at a high interest rate. >> I said this all the other night. You were at the meeting. I said the the
>> You were very quick. You weren't up there very long. Oh, Steve. >> Yeah, I I think I blinked three times and you were gone. >> That was probably up there for two minutes, which is pretty long for me. >> So, anyway, so our our the We'll just deal with the capital, which is what I
talked about the other night. The capital essentially consists of three items. Uh equipment, fire trucks, and capital projects. So, we're borrowing for all three of those things. And so it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter what we're
>> Let me finish. It doesn't matter what we're picking and choosing. >> Doesn't matter what we're picking and choosing. What we're going to borrow to do either any one of those three items, >> right? >> So it's a matter of where we're spending the money. That's all what we're going to borrow. Make no I'm making no illusions. We're borrowing. We've been borrowing.
>> Is that consistent with other townships around here? >> Berkeley's I said the last time I checked, Berkeley's debt level was like $80 million. >> It's like $85 million. How did the townships plan on reducing that? >> They're you can't reduce. Every year you every year the the prices go up. It's
it's no different than it's the exact same thing. If you were to buy you've lived here a long time. If you sell your house, the house you're going to buy is going to cost way more than the house you're selling. It's the exact same thing. The fire when I 13 years I've been doing this budget. Now, when I started here, the the town budget was
around $30 million. I think 27 even 27 million. And now it's 50. The fire trucks went from a ladder truck back then when I think I first got on the committee was like million maybe even >> no not even >> 7,000. That's what I was just gonna say 750. 750,000. Now the ladder truck that
they just quoted is 2.1 million. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That's the way of the world. But I think uh our point is is that there's got to be a strong consideration by the township to recognize that as we move
forward uh in the calendar year that we got to think about the debt and we got to think about the taxpayers that are struggling in this town espec especially young people that have a very difficult time to even buy a storehouse. I understand. We understand. You need the
police 100%. You need the fire department 100%. You need the Lacy municipal workers 100%. And we even need you guys 100%. >> So, >> but you know, when you start talking about a YMCA,
why couldn't we build it where Berkeley, Lacy, and another town all meet and they could share it? So, I I'm going to go >> because that could be, you know, I I'm all about the YMCA and getting kids off their phones and getting them into
structured programs because physical education improves not only your physical ability, but your mental stability also. >> So, I'm going to start or I'll have more comments on this in April and May and June as we go along. Not so much this
month, but I'll have more comments, more information. >> Well, we want you to be open. we don't want to come up here because I got accused and it's you know that I bring misinformation to the township and it's really as things trickle around it might be a little off but it's because you
guys ain't as open as you should be with the things that mean a lot that could cost a lot >> I understand that the YMCA I'm 100% for be for that but not when you're 20 I heard 29 million in the hole if you're building it with money and you're in the
black that's a great thing, but when you're behind, you got to cut. You got to, you know, stay stay a little bit smaller than you want to be. >> It's very challenging doing the budget every year. >> I'm sure it is. >> It's just a matter of what what you're prioritizing with the money. That's all.
>> Yeah. Even running the households tough in this in this thing. >> But but just to be clear again, I know I told you this a while ago. um the the the capital in general, meaning the pro the stuff I the equipment, the trucks and stuff like that. That's not the
problem on the budget. The problem on the budget every year and your taxes, I should say, in general is on the operating side of the budget, which is the salaries and the benefits. That by far is what drives the budget. It's not buildings, it's not equipment, not exactly. It's all salary and
compensation based. >> Oh, you're hiring you're hiring more people. Well, so everybody demands more. Do you know how I said it the other day, do you know how many complaints we So, we got a bunch of complaints over the complaint, right? So, but when they're complain that makes them feel bad when people are complaining about not having
their sidewalks shoveled within or their streets plowed within, you know, 24 hours. >> That's a bunch of baloney. I'm just Let's just This is just This is not the first time this goes on. It happens a lot. What they're actually complaining about is that we don't either have enough workers or the workers aren't doing uh doing their job and getting
meaning they want either us to have more equipment or more workers to take care of their complaint. >> So that's what happens. So you're getting it at both ends. You have people demanding more services and at the same time saying I don't want to pay for these services. That doesn't work. >> Well, the services got to be paid for. I'm talking about, you know, a uh
gigantic investment into a building or into the YMCA. Maybe it would work, maybe it wouldn't. Maybe the Y would work. I don't think >> I have more comments on it in later dates. I'm not exactly prepared to discuss it at length tonight. >> Okay. >> However, your idea with partnering up with another town might be something
that's feasibly to look at. >> Yeah. >> Not saying as, >> you know, because I'm sure we build a Y here, there'd be a lot of outside township people coming here, which would only be >> benefit us anyway. >> Exactly. But at the same time, if we're
20 million or 29 million in a whole, I don't think it's prudent to go out there and do a project of that magnitude because you know what? Almost every project of that ma magnitude got additional funds that cost fund
overruns, time overruns, which cost more for labor. So, you know, even though the township could pro promote something to be say $50 million when in reality not their fault, but that could be $75 million.
>> I assure you we are taking a very careful look at the finances. Okay, I can promise. Hey, don't forget I pay a lot of property and taxes in town as well. I don't like paying property taxes either. >> So, I I I'm not looking to spend more in property taxes. Well, technically the
more you pay, the more money you got, but I'm not gonna mention that. >> Mr. Mayor, >> I wish I had as much money as people think I do. >> Mayor, mayor, may I I wish you the next once we pass the budget, that's it for the year. They got their walking papers
and they're not allowed to go over it. So, we'll pass that probably. When are we going to pass the budget? April. >> It's probably the end of April. >> Sometime in April, we'll pass the budget and they're done. We're done. I mean, whatever we allocate for for XYZ, that's it. >> Okay. >> They don't go over. So, I mean, the
idea, yeah, we we the mayor's right. We do have to bomb. There's no question about it. We couldn't survive. >> So, but once we pass it, that's it. >> Yes. >> And Steve, what you'll see through this year, too, even though you'll see some hires,
we're pretty much there might be one or two here that might be a new type hire. All our we're pretty much across the board here. We're replacing replacement staff. Give you an idea. Public works is down seven. That's just to replace retirements and stuff like that. Steve
brought up a big thing which very important thing which I didn't realize the size of it which not only affects the township but also the school system is the salaries and benefits. Uh because if I remember right, last year when I
checked into this, we have just as about as many people on the retirey benefit program as we do working. And they worked hard for it and they deserve what they got. But you got to remember they're on them good plans and if we got to say a hundred out there retired and
100 working, they're not the real numbers. They're costs that a lot of us don't see. Um, which as we know with healthcare because that's Steve's right. The operating budget is what we're >> Yeah. >> really struggling with because only 20%
>> of the tax bill we pay >> runs Lacy Township. >> So the garbage, the police, the emergency services, everything we get to do. And when we really break it down and you take 20% of your property tax is a pretty good deal. We need to save
wherever we need to save. Uh Regina was up here speaking about the uh school. We know that's where the bulk of it going. And >> you know, we're we're all very very very concerned about all these numbers, but
um >> it it's crazy, you know, and um I wonder because a lot of my friends moved to South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, that area, and it seems like everything functions down there, and they pay like 20% property
tax of what we pay. don't have to pay a toll every time they go on the road. They might have to take their garbage to a dump. They do that. And there's other ways that they do. They charge more for car registration. You know, in in certain states, you could pay 500 600
bucks for registration where you pay 24 here. So, they do get their some of that money in other f from other avenues. But, you know, it would be a wonderful thing if we were weren't in debt and we had 20 million in the black. all the investing we could do with that money
would help us specifically at the end of the year when you really need a you know a little bump >> but it don't look like that's uh >> very hard >> ever going to be possible. >> It's it's almost like buying a house. Nobody could afford a house if they couldn't get a mortgage.
>> Yeah. >> I mean it's we hate to say that. We wish you all owned our houses. But you know, when you buy a house, no matter what it was, back when we were young and they were less than $40,000. >> Now to buy anything, you're looking at half million plus. But even back then,
40 million was reaching for the stars. But we needed some place. So what do you got to do? You got to borrow. And then and from what I've seen, as the towns do borrow and you get you get pretty good rates because they're out there shopping
for them. that they're they're not uh terribly high rates. Um and I mean that's some of the stuff I've just learned the past. >> So if you went for a loan this year, how much interest would you pay on it? But what would be the interest? >> That's a question
>> municipal le. Okay. So we we don't go >> 3.9 >> maybe even we might be even lower. Let me explain something. We don't go down to TD Bank or we we go out to the municipal bond market. >> Okay. >> Okay. And and there's people out there that'll say, "Yeah, we'll take Lacy's
debt." What's our what's our bond rating, Veronica? Do we know? >> It's AAA. So, guess what? It's even lower. >> That's the benefit. >> That's the benefit of a and and and that's I mean, a pension fund will pick us up.
A charity organization, a monster charity or will pick us up or something like that. You know, Black Rockck will pick us up. I'm not even worried. Excuse me. I'm not even worried one second about our debt. Our debt's in good. We're in good shape compared to what we compared to compared to what we could
be. >> Hey, it could always be worse. It could always be worse. It always could be better. >> Steve Steve, let me finish. >> By statute, we could go over 100 million and we're not anywhere near that. And we won't go near that. We would We'll all
pull our hair out. I'll pull the little off I have left. >> Steve, we we did have a budget meeting. uh you weren't able I'm ass sure you were still away at that time but there's nobody that's tighter on our purses believe me when I tell you that than than Steve Kennis okay he he keeps us
very much in tow backhanded compliment >> yes >> yeah I don't know how to take that myself we call him Jack Benny so >> yes he keeps us you know we have wishes and he tells us about those wishes so >> look we want to work with our leadership
we want to make sure that, you know, we're informed of any big investments or any big expenditures. And Peggy, you know, when you were mayor, you made that commitment. >> Yes, I did. >> And when I hear about surveyors running around that area, I get I get I get a
little nervous about what might happen. >> Okay. So, let's just go on the other side of that just for a quick moment. >> So, we have nothing planned. Number one, you need to right off the bat. >> You all heard that, right? >> Okay. We're we're questioning a lot of things. That's what we're doing. Yeah, I
look there's nothing wrong with that. You always want to be progressive. I understand. >> You have to be very very honest about this and this is my biggest concern. I don't want to have to build any more affordable housing in the city. >> Oh, is the tax coming off of them? Is it beneficial? >> Well, you know,
>> are we getting a lot Aren't they building another one by down by uh >> That's not all. Um >> No, they're mix but you know, right? So, and it's nice that they have that availability for those that can't afford homes because I agree with you. Homes are
>> Yeah, there's a purpose and they're beautiful. >> Yes. All the units down across from Applebees, the affordable units have all sold and they're a range from um 35,000 up to like 190,000. Like the one the lowest which is a there's two very low income onebedrooms and the low the
cheapest one went for 35,000. >> So, that's what somebody is able to afford there. And again, if they turn around and they're fortunate enough to improve their lives, maybe they get married or whatever, and they move on, they can only sell that in the affordable market again. They can't turn around and sell it for 500,000. So, you know, that keeps it affordable all the
time for at least, uh, 20 years. >> Okay? >> All right. Well, uh, we just want you guys to be upfront with us and, uh, you know, I'll come here when I need to come here. You know, I just I I just thought I wanted to clear the air. You cancel
your trip to Lancaster just to be here today. >> We moved it >> cuz the weather's not looking so >> because we knew it was rain. >> Make sure it's always on. >> I would do it on the first Thursday of the month. >> No, the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.
>> Thanks, Steve. >> Anything else? One more time. Come on up, Barry. >> We should let you close. >> State your name. >> Shirley. It's not Shirley. >> Barry Bender, uh, somewhere in Lacy
Township. Legal question, because I hear this from time to time, discussions going on at the Republican Club. At what point would discussions going on at the Republican club uh, violate Sunshine Laws if there are members of the sitting body at that meeting?
>> No, it is. >> It does not. >> It doesn't. It's really not a discussion as much as Steve doing exactly what he's doing here, informing the public of what's going on. >> Okay. >> Yeah. It's like this is what's going on. >> There's no there's no decision.
>> Okay. >> It's basically the same. >> But isn't there like a limitation to how many members of this of the city? >> More than a majority for the purpose of discussing town business and making decisions. We're not making >> there's not there's a political caucus and people that go to it certainly can
ask questions and everybody >> but they can't discuss it among themselves >> because I remember in the >> and have in the past there was >> there was a question when I think it was when the Home Depot was coming in with members of the board of education and only so many of them could be at the
meeting. That's why I was asking that question. >> Barry, if you ever would like to be a guest of mine to come to one of >> No, that's fine. >> That's absolutely fine. Thank you. >> Barry, shut up. >> Don't do it, Barry. Don't do it. >> Anything else? >> Motion to close the floor.
>> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Comments from the committee. Uh, deputy mayor. All right. >> Okay. Going to make this quick. >> First, Regina, thank you for all them updates. And that's the first I've ever heard about the 17 year olds being able
to uh vote in the primary. Thank you. Very informational. Steve Barry, thank you for coming up. Uh George, welcome. >> Thank you. >> You're be a nice addition to uh the staff. Uh I also want to congratulate
Tyler Mars for uh becoming a public safety telecommunicator. Uh I know we had one retiree. I wish her uh many years as retiree and good health. Outside of that, um I don't have anything else to say. Thank you, Bob.
Committee woman uh Juliano, >> thank you for remembering who I was. Appreciate it. >> Well, I always have to give this report because it's important to me. There were over 200 calls for our fire departments this in three months time. So, a fact
that people need to make sure they hear 200 over 200 calls in three months. Could you imagine what it's going to be for a year? and their volunteers that go out, leave their families to go take care of this for our town. Very, very
important to take notice of that. On another note, I just can't even tell you how we're so thrilled to have another Lacy I'm going to say this and I'm not offending you, I hope, boy from Lacy that grew up here, knows everything
about this town, pass on his knowledge to to to lead us in the new direction. And um we were really looking forward to this next move. And on a personal note, thank you. I'm really glad you're joining us. Really glad. Thanks. And to
his family, glad to see you is all here. >> Thank you. >> Committeeman Cortello. >> Thank you, Mayor. Uh open with I've been asked to make an announcement. There's a >> Could you not speak? Excuse me. Could you not speak? >> That's my fault. I apologize. He's a
fundraiser for Lenoka Harbor EMS hosted by one of our our good residents. They're all good. This is an exceptional young man. His name is Dan Toner. He asked me to talk about it tonight again for Lenoka Harbor EMS. Saturday, March
28th at Sweet Treats Ice Cream, 249 North Main Street, Forkid River from 2:30 to 4. Ice cream, pictures, and ambulance tours. He's a great young man. um I'm going to go out there and support him and u certainly coming from public health. I think the world of all of our
emergency services as well as our EMS, police and fire. Um I want to say congratulations to George. He's a fine young man in our town and um I'm older than he is so he's still young to me I suppose who's a lieutenant in our police
force. So I'm looking forward to being a working being partner with him. the Memorial Day parade is forthcoming. Um, and I I do hope everyone comes out and especially now that we're at war and um there's no such thing as a limited
engagement in war. Um, I'm a civilian. I always say that. Um, but our men and women need uh the support over there because they certainly deserve it as they fight against the epitome of evil in our world.
Uh at Trenton, I always say we cover what and control what we can control. I'll be as short as I can. The b the budget in Trenton is um spending is up 1.87 billion over last year. There are no help for the taxpayer. There's no
help for the taxpayer. Um it's one-sided one party rule. Uh there's no sales tax cut in the 49th. This isn't me editorializing. We're the 49th out of 50 for uh doing business, opening business, and supporting business in our state.
That's from US News and World Report. Um again, spending is up 3.2% over last year, but services are down. Uh there's the elimination of uh cap on on the deductions. Tolls are up. New Jersey
Transit is up. And that is an invisible tax yet another tax on working people from Monmouth Ocean and Middle Sex County working people that commute. So the there's some fundamental questions here because we always talk about these things but after a minute after 10 years
after 30 years the sponge hits a saturation point you it can't suck in any more water. So we got to ask ourselves up here and around the town and around the state you know are we fiscal conservatives? Do we support Doge and governmental efficiency? We all said
that we did during the last gubanatorial and I know my colleagues do. Um, so I want to not just say it, I want to act it out and I'll I'll leave with this point. So here's where the rubber hits the road for us in Lacy. It's the most important thing. We talk about fire
trucks, we talk about all this stuff, but to me this is the most important thing. This is what I think about when I go to bed and when I wake up. It's how do I stay out of your pocket? I take it very very seriously. As seriously, some would say as the rest of the colleagues up here and Mayor Kennes. So, here's
just some very simple math. I saw it, but it's very, very telling. If you have property taxes, and the second example is more telling for us in Lacy, but if you have property taxes at 25,000, that's the same as servicing a 400 a
$400,000 mortgage at 6% before you turn a light on or get a glass of water. Little more believable for Lacy. $12,000 property taxes, same as a $200,000 mortgage. So, the decisions we make up
here affect you. And when I I said when the people up here were good enough to to actually honor me on January 1st, 2025 to be the mayor and with the blessing of the taxpayers and everybody else, the high honor of my life, I said
the one thing I'm looking at is I don't want to crater your property value because if you have the highest property taxes, and we already do in this ridiculous state, unfortunately, state I love, but it sometimes is ridiculous and it's lost. lost its way. It's searching
for a light switch of wisdom in a dark room when it comes to finances and there and the lights are blown out. So when when your taxes go up, that is a direct torpedo on the value of your house because if you've got to pay 12 or 25
grand, that money's got to come off that price so that that new person that moves in can pay that those taxes and service that tax debt. That's one of the most important things other than health and safety and police and all of that stuff.
That's the thing. If we're not up here protecting you and your house, what the hell are we doing? You should you should fire you should fire me. You should fire us if we don't protect you. So, there are the numbers and we
at the local level, yeah, it is us. The schools don't have the schools aren't going to get help. The schools are going to come to us again. No matter what you're reading, don't count on Trenton to help our schools again. The schools are going to come to us again for another 10%. I believe that. That's not their fault. It's because they were cut.
So, you have my word. I'm looking at your money. That's the most important thing for me. I don't want my legacy to be, and I'm going to say me now because I'm not putting it on my other colleagues up here, that when 25 years from now, if I'm still upright and pink and sitting
on a a porch here in Lacy or South Carolina, wherever I am, it's going to be Pete, that skunk, he raised the look what he did that I don't want that to be my legacy. I don't want that to for the seniors in this town, for the kids on free and reduced lunch. I don't want
that to be my legacy. I'm watching every scent. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, Pete. Commun McDonald. Thanks, mayor. Uh, a couple of things. Um, Jim Wan sent me a text today. I guess a couple meetings back. I said a few years back, we had started a volunteer meeting where all the all the
organizations could come and people who wanted to volunteer. We stopped I think be before CO or during CO. We're putting it back together again 30th down at the uh community center. You'll get more notice on that. But if if you know anybody who's looking to volunteer, get involved with somebody, whether it's
historical society, the women's club, or whatever it might be, they'll probably be there and they can sign up and you can go and ask questions. Um, George, are you sure about this? Yes, sir. >> I mean, you just heard Mr.
and Steve Barley back there. My gosh. So, but welcome, welcome, welcome. Also speaking, uh, Sunday, this Sunday is they're having the Easter Bunny at the Loco Harbor emergency, the rescue squad there. Uh, I'm missing it because I know
about it because my grandson's going to go to it. Um, so if you I think it's from like 9 to 1 or something like that. But you got young kids, go ahead out there. Take them out there. It's a good time. All right. So, we got the speech of the century on Tuesday or th Yeah,
Tuesday. And I'm telling you right now, we all got snookered. If you voted for her, you got snookered. No question about it. They're taking the $500,000, which is this is a tax raise, by the way.
$500,000 down to$ 250 for seniors. And I was on the phone with somebody rough today for about 25 minutes. And I said to to something wrong, I said, "They're just bought votes." He goes, "That's exactly what they did." Now, this is what she wants to go down
to 250. The head of the Democratic party up there, that was his baby. So, we'll see what happened. We'll see if she gets it through. See if she can she can get it through. She also made a statement up there that just blew me away. I listened to it for
about 10 minutes and I turned it off, but I read a lot about it. She wants to end homelessness. Now, that's a great idea. That's a tremendous idea. I'm all for that. But at what cost?
At what cost do we end? I mean, they're we need to take care of them. And there's an old saying, shame is only as good as it weakest link. And I believe that for society, too. And the homeless is our weakest link. There's no question about
it. We got to do something about it. But there's no true, there's no one answer for it. We have talked a lot about the budget here tonight and we're in the middle of it. So our next meeting next Thursday, right? >> Yes. >> Next Thursday, if you want to know more
about the budget, come out here and guess what? You can ask questions. You can get the mayor. Now, I want to say something about the mayor. The mayor has put forth to us some great ideas. And I encourage them. I I'll backing him 100% on some of the ideas he has with
regards to the budget. It makes sense. Slows some things down. Maybe not the whole big project all at one time. Maybe break it up into a couple of years and we can do more. These are these are some of the ideas that the mayor can come up with. I think they're smart ideas. and we were looking at the budget
preliminary stuff. We're down we're less than a million dollars than what we spent last year. So, that's a step in the right direction of what we're going to. Mayor, that's all I have. >> Thank you, Tim. Um, yeah, George, again, um, welcome aboard. You'll be a great asset to the administrator's office,
especially with your your uh your knowledge base. You have a great knowledge base for the township. Um, I I was on uh the the governor's office did do a conference call prior to the release of the budget. I just had took a couple notes on it. Um the drivers of the state budget were were health care, school aid, um employees cost, New
Jersey transit and um they did say they'll increase school aid. So we'll see. Um as everybody sort of mentioned, we've been doing our own budget meetings and for us the big driver on our uh on our budget is healthcare. Um our healthcare is going up approximately $2
million over last year. And finally, JCPNL has I've talked about this a couple times last couple months. This has been a hot topic in t town also the number of power outages we've had. Um we met with them. Were you there Pete? I can't remember. We met that was a about
a month ago. >> Yeah. Or February 5th. They were talked about their planned upgrades and they actually started this week on their planned upgrades and I'll just they sent out maybe we could put on the website they sent out a map of what they where they're doing their upgrades. Um, and I'll just touch the planned upgrades
will include a combination of overhead and underground line enhancements, pole replacements, distribution automation, and voltage profile improvements. And that will occur over the next, I think they said, I don't know, six to eight months, nine months, something like that. Those are my comments. Motion to
adjurnn. >> Move it. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> Is that it? No. Executive. >> No. >> Hit the tape. It's